Original Imperial Russian Mosin-Nagant M1891 Three-Line Infantry Rifle by Izhevsk Arsenal Serial 240339 – dated 1898 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. These are so very rare, and one of a very few examples that we have had in decades. A real pre-1899 Antique Russian Mosin-Nagant M1891 Full Length Rifle, more officially referred to as the “Three Line Infantry Rifle, Model of 1891.” This example was never converted to the 91/30 standard, and is still in the original full length. It does have the stock cross bolt for use with the heavier “Spitzer” bullets used, and has the sling slots in place of swivels. Otherwise it is still in the original issued configuration.

The rifle has lots of issue markings, and is marked with serial number 240339 over the chamber. The bolt is non- matching (probably remarked), and there is also an SA inside a rectangle on the left side of the barrel, for Suomi Armeija (Finnish Army). However, the Finnish did not convert this example to their M/91 standard, and is still in the original configuration. This does however mean that it was used and/or captured during either the “Winter War” or “Continuation War” with the Soviet Union, or possibly both!

The Russian “Mosin-Nagant” bolt-action rifle is arguably the most-produced rifle in history, with around 37 million being produced in various versions in several different countries. This number easily surpasses the Lee-Enfield, Mauser GEW98 and Mauser K98K in number produced. The reasons for this are multiple, including both the size of Russia and later USSR, as well as the long service life of this design, which is still in use today in some locations.

The history of what is known as the “Mosin-Nagant” rifle begins in the late 19th century in Russia, following the Russo-Ottoman war. During the course of the war, it became apparent that Russian troops needed a modern bolt-action rifle to compete with the rest of the world, so they started evaluations in 1889 on what would become the general issue rifle for infantry troops. Three designs were submitted, and at the time in Russia bullet diameter was measured in “line”s, where one line was 1/10 of an inch. This is what gave rise to the official name of the rifle, the “3-line rifle, Model 1891”, as it was in .30cal, or 7.62mm. The name “Mosin-Nagant” is in reality somewhat of a misnomer, as the design chosen was designed by Mosin, not Nagant. However due to legal issues with Nagant over certain design aspects of the rifle, his name was attached to the design as well, leading to the name used in most of the world, the “Mosin-Nagant Model 1891”. Three other models would subsequently be put into service prior to WWI: the M1891 Dragoon, the M1891 Cossack, and the M1907 Carbine.

The official designation of this model is 3-линии пехотная винтовка образца 1891–го года which translates to “Three Line Infantry Rifle, Model of 1891”. It has the cross bolt to reinforce the stock against recoil, and the flip up rear sight correctly goes up to 3200 арши́ны (arshíny) an archaic measurement used by Russia through the first world war. Roughly equal to 71.12 cm, the ranges (4 to 12) on the left side of the sight base have worn down by rust, and new measurements (3 to 8 1/2) in meters added in hundreds of meters (12 x 100 arshíny = 8 1/2 x 100m) on the right side. The sight does look to have a replaced pivot pin, and left side lock is missing on the slider.

The barrel displays an Imperial Russian Double Headed Eagle over Cyrillic letters Л К just below the rear sight on the base of the barrel, and the same marking is repeated on the top front of the receiver.

The full markings on the barrel are:

(Imperial Eagle)
Л К
ИЖЕВСКІЙ
Оружейньійзаводъ.

1898г.

240339
(Bow & Arrow)

These indicates original manufacture in 1898 at Izhevsk arsenal, a major producer of Mosin-Nagant rifles and carbines. The factory itself was founded in 1807 at the request of the Czar, and continues to manufacturer small arms do this day. There are additional markings on the barrel, such as serial S70810 on the right side, so this rifle has definitely had a very long and interesting history.

The bolt and firing pin holder are both marked with the Arrow in Triangle marking that Izhevsk started using in 1928 during the Soviet era, and the bolt is marked with serial number 156271. The front of the magazine housing and butt plate however have the “Hammer” marking of Tula arsenal, a Czarist marking which was discontinued following the Russian revolution and subsequent civil war. The butt plate is also marked with serial 106036. It was very common for rifles in service for a long time to have parts swapped out like this.

Condition of the rifle is very good, especially considering the age and amount of service it must have seen. The stock is in good condition, with the expected dents, dings, and other damage from long service. It does not look to have been post-service refinished, and has the lovely look of a stock that was well cared for over decades. The metalwork is in good shape, with much of the original bluing faded to a gray peppery patina on the barrel and receiver, with the bolt still bright steel. It still retains the original cleaning rod, which is in good shape, still threading properly into the stock, however it can be difficult to remove.

The rifle cycles well, with a crisp dry fire, though we have no way to test the magazine for feeding. The bore definitely looks to not have been cleaned properly after the last time it was used, and the corrosive powder allowed oxidation to set in. The rifling is still visible, and the lands are still strong, however the finish is overall oxidized. The front of the bore has also been counterbored in about 1 3/4 inches, thought to improve accuracy by removing worn rifling at the muzzle.

A wonderful piece of Russian and Firearms history, much as it was when originally made in the late 19th century! Ready to display!

Specifications (Rifle):-

Year of Manufacture: 1898
Caliber:7.62×54mmR Russian
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 31 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 51 1/2 Inches
Action type: Bolt Action
Feed System: 5 Round Internal